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Luke 12 v 28. “If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith!”

 

When Jesus points to the ravens (v24) he is not saying that the birds of the air do not have to work to get their food. In fact birds have to work very hard to feed themselves and their young.

 

Nor is Jesus saying that because ravens do not store up for winter, neither should we. Rather Jesus is pointing to the limited abilities of a raven and comparing it to the numerous great abilities God has given to us. By the use of our God-given abilities God feeds us. That is His normal way of working.

 

Note also that Jesus is not saying that his disciples will never suffer hunger or cold. Thousands of Christians in poor parts of the world today suffer exactly these things. Rather Jesus is saying that God will only leave us in this world for as long as it takes for us to learn the principles of living for His Kingdom. And for so long will He undertake to give us what we need to finish the course. When that time is up, we cannot extend it by one hour. When we are gone we do not need food and clothes anymore. Why therefore worry about all the small things when the largest thing of all – our leaving this world and all we value here – cannot be affected by worrying?

 

Take for example a Christian businessman who loses his job because he refuses to be dishonest. He may lose a lot, but God guarantees to stand by him. But if he decides to give in to dishonesty, because he is afraid of having no food or clothes, he loses the very reason for food and clothes – the need to witness to the Kingdom of God. He loses his witness and integrity and shows where his true treasure is.

 

Notice our Lord’s words in v 24: “And how much more valuable you are than birds!”

 

To worry and be anxious is very human. Yet to trust God is the gift of the new humanity – the people who are called by His name.